Trego's Mountain Ear

"Serving North Lincoln County"

Tag: David Thompson

  • David Thompson Black Powder Shoot (2023)

    David Thompson Black Powder Shoot (2023)

    This April 28-30th, The Tobacco River Muzzleloaders club hosted the 45th annual David Thompson Black Powder Shoot, first started by Jim Kirsch and Joe Nelson. While Jim was present this year in the flesh, and continues to impart much wisdom, Joe passed away three weeks after last year’s Rendezvous and is much missed. He returned in spirit, however, and managed a perfect score, leading in all three events.

    Joe Nelson reminds us of what proper shooting looks like.

    While the shoot had a rough few years due to Covid-19 regulations, things seem to be improving once again. This year, 71 folks competed in some mixture of the three events (Muzzleloading Rifle, Muzzleloading Pistol, and Tomahawk & Knife). There is no obligation to participate in all three, and many folks opt for one or two.

    It was a pleasure to see that more Canadians were present this year, thanks to relaxation of border-crossing regulations. But to me, the greatest joy was to see several generations represented, and old shooters mentoring young kids just starting out in the hobby.

    In the final shooting group, Kaelan Yanak scores a hit on one of the last three pistol targets.

    Folks are encouraged to get most of their events taken care of on Friday and Saturday, but participants are allowed to compete in one event on Sunday morning prior to distributing blanket prizes and striking camp.

    Blanket prizes being brought out on Sunday morning.
    A fine mixture of prizes this year – knives, horns, leatherwork, and traditional cookware, to name a few.

    Participation in blanket prizes is optional, but quite enjoyable. To join in this year, one was advised to bring a gift relevant to traditional muzzleloading culture, and worth at least $15. At the blackpowder shoot’s conclusion on Sunday morning, the combined scores were read, starting with the highest, and those who’d brought blanket prizes were able to select something from the table when their name came.

    Afterwards, a drawing was held for this year’s grand prize, a muzzleloading pistol kit donated by the family of a gentleman no longer with us. An experienced shooter won the draw, and straightaway gave the kit to a young boy just starting out in the hobby.

    Rifle and pistol targets regathered, awaiting the next rendezvous.

    After prizes were distributed, shooters helped take down the remaining targets and ensure the grounds used were free from trash.

    We’ll hope to see you there next year,

    Jedidiah McCurry

  • David Thompson Black Powder Shoot (2022)

    David Thompson Black Powder Shoot (2022)

    This year’s David Thompson Black Powder Shoot was somewhat better attended than last year’s, perhaps due to a loosening of Covid strictures. 57 shooters competed in some combination of three separate events – rifle (a trail of 21 targets), pistol (a trail of 19 targets), and knife & hawk (both used at each of the ten stations).

    For one’s shooting score to count, their muzzleloader must use open ironsights, and patched roundball (no peepsights, nor Minié ball or sabots, in the interest of a more even playing field).

    The final station in the rifle trail – the long gong was about 160 yards away.

    Saturday Evening’s dynamite shoot was a blast, but I became caught up in conversation, and neglected to get a photo of the event. This year’s final round was very well-shot, and anticipation hung in the air. The winner received a fine rifle wall mount.

    The blanket prizes, laid out in front of the registration tent on Sunday morning.

    Blanket prizes took place on the final day. To participate, a person brings some relevant item to exchange. The person with the highest overall score from the three main events selects a prize first, the second-highest score next, and on down the line.

    The rendezvous concluded, targets dismantled and loaded up, camp was swiftly struck.

    Hoping to see you all next year.
    -Mr. Smiley